The 5-Series GT has is faithful to the concept car that was previewed for the first time at the Geneva motor show in March. To put it bluntly, the GT is quite possibly, one of the most weirdest cars ever produced by BMW. First of all, it’s no Gran Turismo, at least not in the way we think of GTs.
What we see as an outlandish fusion of bits and pieces from sedans, station wagons, fastbacks, coupes, MPVs, SUVs and bulgy buttocks, the Bavarian automaker views as a SAV which is short for ‘Sport Activity Vehicle’ – yes, something in the likes of an X6 saloon. The 5-Series GT blends the sporty shape of a fastback with the elevated seating position of an SUV, the cargo-hauling versatility of an MPV and the roominess of a 7-Series. Go figure.
The idea may sound nice on paper, but judging by these photos, we’re not at all convinced about the aesthetic result. Could be that the 5-Series GT looks better in person, but we wouldn’t place any bets on it.
The car’s exterior and interior styling is evidently influenced by the new 7-Series, though with a somewhat sportier flair, as well as by the 2008 CS sport sedan concept car. The 5-Series GT will be offered with a five-seat layout as standard, but buyers will be able to opt for a pair of individual rear bucket sport seats.
The GT rides on an modified version of the next-generation 5-Series sedan’s platform. Measuring 4,998 mm (197-inches) in length, 1,901 mm (74.8-inches) in width and 1,559 mm (61.4-inches) in height with a limo-like 3,070 mm (120.9-inches) wheelbase, the GT is larger than the current 5-Series in every dimension.
Up until now, we only know of three power plants that will be made available on the 5-Series GT. These include two gasoline engines, the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged straight-six with 306HP for the 535i GT that goes from zero to 100km/h (62mph) in 6.3 seconds and the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with 408HP for the 550i GT that hits the 100km/h mark in 5.5 seconds. There’s also a 3.0-liter turbo diesel with 245HP for the 530d GT that sprints from standstill to 100km/h (62mph) in 6.9 seconds.
